Incorporated O-CoP nanosheets with an O–P interpenetrated interface as electrocatalytic cathodes for rechargeable Li–CO2 batteries

Abstract

Li–CO₂ batteries have attracted close attention due to their ability to simultaneously store energy and capture CO₂. The development of suitable catalytic cathodes plays a decisive role in promoting the electrochemical performance of Li–CO₂ batteries. Herein, an electrocatalytic cathode material based on oxygen-decorated CoP nanosheets is reported. Benefiting from the enhanced electrical conductivity brought about by the presence of P element, the construction of catalytically active sites brought about by the presence of Co–O bonds, and the full exposure of catalytically active sites brought about by the two-dimensional morphology, Li–CO₂ batteries exhibit good cycling characteristics (>1000 h) and excellent discharge capacity (13 200 mA h g⁻¹). Density functional theory (DFT) calculations demonstrate that the efficient construction of O–Co–P bonds is the key to improving the performance of electrocatalytic cathodes. This provides an effective reference for the subsequent development of efficient catalytic cathodes.